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 RAVE spends five minuters with guitarist AARON NAYLER and bassist NATHAN BROWN of Brisbane guitar dreamers BLISS.
Please introduce us to Bliss, telling us a little bit about how you formed…
AARON NAYLER: Nathan and I have been writing together for a few years, but at the start of this year we decided that we wanted to put together a shoegaze-influenced project. We’re both really inspired by those bands and their attitude towards making music. We had a good bunch of songs quite quickly so we roped in Sarah-Jane [Bennett] for that excellent male/female vocal blend and to play percussion. That’s how it all came together.
What specific elements attract Bliss to the shoegaze sub-genre of indie music?
NATHAN BROWN: The main element of shoegaze that we love so much is the aesthetics generated by the music. The feelings and emotions are inescapable. The meaning isn’t always clear, but the intention to take your subconscious to another plane is undeniable. It’s the simple beauty of it.
The first wave of post-MBV shoegaze/guitar dreaming/dreampop in the early ‘90s was initially well-received, but then critically lambasted (at least in the UK music press) for valuing soundscapes over songwriting and lyrics, resulting in a backlash. What do you put the middle-late ‘00s resurgence in the sound (a la Deerhunter) down to?
NB: I can’t speak on behalf of other artists, but the reason why we started a shoegaze-inspired band was because it’s our favorite genre of music. Shoegaze was never mainstream acceptable because Oasis and Blur were ruling the world and if you were swimming against the current you were going to drown. Considering we are in a time that’s surrounded with more bad music than ever, people who care about music are starting to recognise bands through the internet that were amazing and are no longer together. I think this is the case here.
What are your thoughts on the primarily electronic nu-gaze movement that loosely links acts like Maps, Ulrich Schnauss and M83?
AN: I think they sound quite good. The arrangements and textures they can achieve are amazing. However, like most electronic music it lacks a human quality which leads to a bit of a clinical feel and creates a loss of connection between the artist and the listener.
Be honest, what’s the only thing you wouldn’t do for the chance to see My Bloody Valentine on their current reunion tour?
NB: I would do anything. I mean it. Anything…
What’s next for Bliss after the upcoming July shows? Will there be an EP or other release soon?
AN: We’re really just concentrating on gigging at the moment. We’re having a lot of fun playing live. Although it’s not our main priority at the moment, you can probably expect an EP release by the end of the year.
BLISS play The Zoo on Wednesday Jul 8, supported by New Manic Spree and Spring Skier. They then appear at Ric’s on Wednesday Jul 22, supported by Oh Ye Denver Birds. www.myspace.com/blissbrisbane
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